Dialogue with Congressman Regarding PATRIOT ACT(1)

The following is the text of letter to me from Congressman Pete Sessions Republican of Texas. His letter is a response to my telephone call to his office requesting that he not support renewal of the PATRIOT ACT.

PETE SESSIONS
32nd District, Texas
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
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COMMITTEE ON
FINANCIAL SERVICES


February 15, 2011

Dear Larry,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (USA PATRIOT Act, H.R. 514), also known as the Patriot Act. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on this important homeland security issue.

The Patriot Act, enacted shortly after the attacks on 9/11, was intended to aid law enforcement personnel by facilitating information sharing and providing more extensive methods necessary to track terrorists at the earliest states of plot formation. The act enhances the ability of authorities to conduct surveillance on terrorists, with key provisions that account for modern technologies.

The original USA PATRIOT Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 337-79 on October 12, 2001. In 2005, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by a vote of 257-171.

On January 26, 2011, Congressman James Sensebrenner (R-WI) introduced H.R. 514 in the House of Representatives to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2004 until February 8, 2011. On February 14, 2011, the House of Representatives passed the act by a vote of 275-144. I voted in support of the legislation because I believe the USA PATRIOT Act has bolstered the ability of national security agents to protect American citizens from attack.

In crafting of the USA PATRIOT Act, Congress provided for the delicate balance between the ability to investigate those who may be attempting terrorist activities and a citizen’s legitimate expectation of privacy. In the years since the implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act, Congress has consistently been able to ensure the right of privacy for the ordinary citizen under the legislation.

Thankfully, the United States has managed to avert any major terrorist attack since 9/11, but the threat has not subsided. We must remain vigilant guardians of our homeland and reinforce our national security laws. The provisions of the proposed renewal of the USA PATRIOT Act supplement the ability of homeland security forces to protect our interests and our people.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and concerns. As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislative Correspondent, Katy Jane Jenevein, at 202.225.2231, or by email at KatyJane.Jenevein@mail.house.gov. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

Sincerely,

Pete Sessions
Member of Congress